Most people are familiar with fluoride in relationship to dental care and water treatment. However, there are some disturbing facts about fluoride and its intake that need to be discussed in detail, as most people are unaware of the dangers of ingesting fluoride.

Fluoride is an acute toxin that surpasses ratings higher than lead. According to the handbook “Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products,” fluoride is more poisonous than lead and just slightly less poisonous than arsenic. Fluoride is an environmental pollutant and a byproduct from the phosphate fertilizer, insecticide, aluminum and other industries. It is also a known carcinogen, especially in relation to bone cancers.

Fluoride can be found in water, toothpaste, mouthwash, dentist’s treatment, fluoride pills, juice, soft drinks, canned food, commercial fruit and vegetables, Teflon and Tefal coated items, etc. Current fluoride intake is equally divided between drinking water (in fluoridated areas), food, other beverages, and dental products, which would indicate that even if you don’t live in a fluoridated area, fluoride is endangering your health.

Fluoride used in water fluoridation is a toxic waste product — which means it contains other heavy metals. It is a cumulative poison that accumulates in bone over the years, as it is the most bone seeking element. The US Public Health Service has stated that fluoride makes the bones more brittle and dental enamel more porous.

As little as 0.04 mg/kg of body weight per day has been proven to cause adverse health effects. Retention of 2 mg a day will produce crippling skeletal fluorosis in one’s lifetime. Healthy kidneys can eliminate only about 50% of daily fluorise intake, so approximately half of each day’s intake will be retained and stored in calcified tissues, like bones and teeth. This is what makes it so dangerous.

Be warned. The groups who are at high risk for fluoride poisoning and must be acutely aware of their fluoride intake are the children, the elderly, people with impaired kidney function (i.e. many AIDS patients), immunodeficiencies, diabetes, heart problems, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium deficiencies. Some of the symptoms of fluoride ingestion, especially in hypersensitive individuals, may cause skin eruptions (i.e. atopic dermatitis, eczema, and urticaria), gastric distress, headaches, weakness, neurological deficits, inhibition of enzyme systems, damage to the immune system, calcification of soft tissues, and worsening arthritis, and osteoporosis that may lead to hip fractures.

In toothpaste is an especially inviting place for ingestion of fluoride from a very young age, because children tend to have less swallowing control skills in conjunction to bubblegum-flavored toothpaste. Since April 1997 all toothpaste in the US must carry a warning label, advising parents what to do if their child swallows more than the pea-size brushing amount; some containers even carry the poison symbol of skull and crossbones. With children the neurotoxic component of fluoride can be significant concerning at it may result in learning disabilities, behavioral changes, and even developmental delays.

Protect yourself and your family. Here are some suggestions:

Drink distilled or reverse osmosis water, which you can buy in stores or acquire a system for home use.

Filters do not remove fluoride, nor does boiling the water.

Avoid fluoridated toothpaste and mouth rinses.

Read the labels to ensure there is no fluoride, even on some of the natural brands out there.